The Florida Music Educators Association (FMEA) has announced that Debbie Fahmie, Fine and Performing Arts Resource Specialist for the Osceola School District, is the recipient of its 2016 FMEA Leadership Award. Mrs. Fahmie was selected in honor of her outstanding contributions to music education throughout the state, for her notable achievements as a leader in the promotion of music education, and for her continued commitment to the profession.

Since taking her district-level position in 2008, student participation in the arts across the Osceola School District has increased by 51%. FMEA Past President Sheila King points out that Debbie leads with a commitment to standards-based instruction and with the philosophy that music and the arts are for all students and are a vital part of a complete education. Jeanne Reynolds, the Performing Arts Content Specialist for the Pinellas County Schools, notes that when there is a music education task to be done in Florida, you can be sure one of the first names mentioned to help lead the way is Debbie Fahmie because her work ethic and leadership skills are unparalleled.

Mrs. Fahmie has served on the boards of many organizations including the Florida Alliance of Arts Education, United Arts of Central Florida, Osceola Arts, The Education Foundation-Osceola County, Osceola Coalition of Arts for a Complete Education, Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center Circle, Orlando Repertory Theatre Advisory, Orlando Philharmonic Education Committee, Central Florida Orff Chapter, and more. She currently serves the Florida Music Education Association as Awards Chair and on the Conference Planning Committee. She has been involved both state and nation-wide in curriculum and assessment development, and served for many years as a trainer for the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. In addition, Mrs. Fahmie is an adjunct professor for the University of Central Florida.